December 4 - 5, 2024 San Salvador, El Salvador

Agenda

Across a rich array of panel discussions, case-studies, site visits, keynotes, breakouts, roundtables and more, GEOLAC 2024 will cover an ambitious range of topics:

El Salvador in the clean energy and geothermal spotlight: How is El Salvador driving the clean energy agenda? Is it prioritizing geothermal? And what opportunities are there for international investors?
- PLUS: Site visit to the Ahuachapán Geothermal Plant
Overview of the Geothermal Energy Landscape in Latin America: Insights into the current state, challenges, and opportunities of geothermal energy within the region.
Innovations in Geothermal Technology: The latest technological advancements in geothermal drilling, exploration, and power generation, including enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and direct use applications.
Geothermal Project Financing and Investment Models: Financing strategies, risk management, and investment models that can attract private and international investors to the geothermal sector in Latin America.
Policy, Regulation, and Government Support: Examination of the policy landscape affecting geothermal energy, including incentives, subsidies, and regulatory frameworks necessary for the development and integration of geothermal resources.
Case Studies of Successful Geothermal Projects: Sharing experiences and lessons learned from successful geothermal projects in Latin America and other regions, focusing on best practices in project development, community engagement, and environmental management.
The Role of Geothermal Energy in Sustainable Development: Discussions on how geothermal energy can contribute to sustainable development goals, including reducing carbon emissions, providing reliable energy access, and supporting economic growth.
Community Engagement and Social Impact: Exploring strategies for effective community engagement, social impact assessments, and benefit-sharing mechanisms to ensure the inclusive development of geothermal projects.
Fostering Innovation and Research in Geothermal Energy: Encouraging partnerships between academia, industry, and governments to support research and development efforts in geothermal energy.
Workforce Development and Capacity Building: Addressing the need for skilled labor in the geothermal sector through training programs, education, and capacity-building initiatives.

GEOLAC 2024 Technical Committee:

Wednesday

December 4

7:30-8:45

Registration & Exhibition

8:45-9:00

Welcome Remarks

9:00-9:15

Host Country Inauguration and Keynote

On behalf of the Government of El Salvador, Daniel Alvarez the Director General of Energy welcomes GEOLAC 2024 to the country.

Daniel Alvarez

Hydrocarbons and Mines of El Salvador
Director General of Energy

9:15-10:00

International Perspective: Geothermal as a Key Component of the Global Pledge to Triple Renewables – How To Further International Cooperation

At COP28 countries lined up behind a global pledge to triple renewables. How does that impact prospects for geothermal development? And how does that play out in real terms in Latin America and the Caribbean?

Dr. Marit Brommer

International Geothermal Association
Executive Director Moderator

10:00-10:30

Networking Break and Photos

10:30-11:15

Financing Dynamics & the Bankability of Geothermal In the Region

We assess the dynamics impacting the financing of geothermal. To what degree are alternative sources, such as impact investment, able to support development? And how can we crowd in more private sector finance? Are the multilaterals still strongly behind geothermal? Will – and what – new technologies increase investor appetite for geothermal? How can geothermal stakeholders harness these changing dynamics to move the industry forward?

11:15-12:00

More than Just Power, Why Geothermal is at the Nexus of Industrial Growth, and Food & Economic Security

Geothermal’s potential to meet pressing social challenges is huge and fairly untapped in the region. Where are the opportunities to center geothermal as a driver of economic growth? How can geothermal be a key part of the solution to food security challenges, and how can projects reach an impactful scale? How can geothermal power industrial growth and where can we point to success stories? How can the socio-economic impacts be factored into financing?

12:00-12:45

Technologies and Innovative Approaches: Driving Down Costs and Driving Up Feasibility

Looking at standout technologies and projects with potential impact on the regional geothermal space. A session focused on power production, as well as heating/cooling, both regionally and globally. What technologies and operational/financial models will help to scale up geothermal.

Sam Abraham

Halliburton
Global Technical Advisor, Low Carbon Solutions (Geothermal)
Alexis Garcia

NOV
Business Development Director - Alternative Energies

12:45-2:00

Networking Luncheon

GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates

2:00

Where is Geothermal Gaining Ground? A ‘Tour’ of LAC Geothermal Development

Senior government officials from around the region take the stage to highlight the developments and prospects for geothermal in their jurisdictions. What is the status of projects underway and in the pipeline? What are the projections for impact on power supply, economic growth, decarbonization and social initiatives? How are these administrations designing geothermal strategy, and supporting policy and regulation, in line with the needs and opportunities in their countries?

2:00-2:45

El Salvador’s Geothermal Landscape: How Are Projects Advancing and What Is On The Horizon?

GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates

LaGeo and partners discuss the current state of geothermal power in the country and prospects in the pipeline. What is the strategy for geothermal development and where are the opportunities for partnership and investment? What models of development and operation are proving successful? How are social and economic impacts being prioritized and incorporated into the projects? How is low-mid enthalpy geothermal playing a role and being expanded in power projects and stand-alone developments?

2:45-3:30

Caribbean: The Emerging Geothermal Success Story

GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates

After years of false horizons, geothermal in the Caribbean is about to have its day. Dominica is the poster child and its project is under development. Its East Caribbean neighbors are not far behind. What can we learn from Dominica’s approach and can it be replicated? What new parties – whether technical or financial – are engaging in the region? What can we learn about the optimal use of concessional funds? How does this emerging success story change the energy dynamic in the Caribbean and does it make regional interconnection more likely?

Dr. Hon. Vince Henderson

Commonwealth of Dominica
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy
Hon. Kerryne Z. James

Government of Grenada
Minister of Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy

3:30-4:15

Central America: Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras

GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates

Guatemala: The Relaunch of Geothermal Energy – Detailing a renewed focus on geothermal in Guatemala:What are the opportunities on the horizon? Where does the administration see the potential applications and benefits of scalable direct use projects? Will public-private models enter the Guatemalan paradigm?
- Víctor Hugo Ventura Ruiz, Minister of Energy and Mines, Republic of Guatemala
Costa Rica: Perspectives for the Development of Geothermal Energy, Ongoing Projects and Socio-environmental Management – With an eye on undeveloped resources and drawing lessons learned from the Miravalles and Pailas Geothermal Fields, ICE will present the approach to geothermal expansion and the outlook for ongoing projects. Of particular concern are socio-environmental factors: social management in communities of influence, preserving biodiversity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, ICE will highlight opportunities for public-private participation.
- Ing. Johan Valerio Pérez, Socio-environmental Manager, Geothermal Sources, Generation Division, Costa Rican Electricity Institute
Honduras

Ing. Johan Valerio Pérez

Costa Rican Electricity Institute
Socio-environmental Manager, Geothermal Sources, Generation Division
Víctor Hugo Ventura Ruiz

Republic of Guatemala
Minister of Energy and Mines

4:15-4:45

Refreshments and Networking

4:45-5:45

The Andean Region

GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates

Argentina: Can Neuquén Deliver on its Geothermal Potential? The President of ADI-NQN details progress in the Domuyo and Copahue projects. Are regional authorities supporting geothermal prospects in the context of the region’s fossil fuel dynamic? How is the agency addressing social and environmental concerns and prioritizing community relations? Finally- what investment is needed and why should international investors commit to Neuquén’s geothermal future?
- Leandro Lopez, President, Agencia de Inversiones del Neuquén
Bolivia
- Oscar Cahuana Alarcon, Professional in Control and Supervision of Surface Reconnaissance Activities and Geology and Geophysics Projects, Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy, Bolivia
Chile
Ecuador

Oscar Cahuana Alarcon

Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy, Bolivia
Professional in Control and Supervision of Surface Reconnaissance Activities and Geology and Geophysics Projects
Leandro Lopez

Agencia de Inversiones del Neuquén
President

5:45-6:30

Taking Geothermal Further in Colombia

GEOLAC 2024 COUNTRY UPDATES

Since the updating of geothermal’s regulatory framework under the Energy Transition Law in 2022, what impacts can be perceived on the market and what further regulatory developments would stimulate geothermal development? What advances are we seeing in high, medium and low enthalpy? Looking at energy demand projections, how does geothermal compete in the power generation mix? How can baseload stability be factored in? Environmental permitting is a challenge for many projects. Is there a way to streamline the process, both at federal and municipal level? Finally- how to address the restricted access to substation connection points, against a context of competing with other technologies.

Julián López

CHEC
Geothermal Project Coordinator

Nancy Catherine Vidal Camacho

Petroseismic Services | Colombian Geothermal Association (AGEOCOL)
Director of New Business and Well Seismic Logging (VSP) Engineer | Vice President Moderator

6:30-8:00

GEOLAC 2024 Cocktail Reception

Hosted by:

Invitation Only

7:00-10:00

Ministerial Dinner

Hosted by:

Thursday

December 5

8:00-9:00

Rise and Shine Roundtables

8:00-9:00

Table I: Capacity Building and Workforce Development

Rise and Shine Roundtable

How to address the need for skilled labor in the geothermal sector through training programs, education, and relevant capacity-building initiatives. What elements of capacity building have proven successful and what lessons can be drawn and replicated? How can we foster effective partnerships between academia, industry, and governments to achieve a more capable workforce, and create more jobs and well-being for LAC citizens?

Table II: Food Security and the Geothermal Nexus

Rise and Shine Roundtable

Globally and across LAC, geothermal can contribute to efforts to increase food security. Looking at food production, food processing sector, food storage and waste prevention, the session draws on existing projects and pilots, and addresses what more can be done to increase food security in the region.

9:00-9:05

Day Two Welcome Remarks

9:05-9:45

Session led by GIZ

9:45-10:45

GDF/TAF Forum: Technical Assistance and Finance for Geothermal

One of the most significant funding sources for geothermal projects in Latin America, the Geothermal Development Facility has operated since 2016, awarding grants to thirty geothermal projects in the region. In this session, the Fund Managers of the GDF will present a summary of activity with a comprehensive report of the Facilities’ recent accomplishments and challenges. The GDF is an active funding resource with demonstrated successes. The GDF is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union through the Latin America Investment Facility through the KfW Development Bank.

Chris McCormick

Geothermal Development Facility
Chief Investment Officer

10:45-11:00

Refreshments and Networking

11:00-11:45

Best Practice for Field and Plant Optimization, Operational Safety and Security and Planning for Vulnerabilities

Looking to past developments and challenges, we discuss best practice for field and plant operations, both to maximize generation and ensure safety and security. How to plan and prepare for vulnerabilities such as hurricanes or volcanic activity? What tools are available and emerging for more effective monitoring and response? What is the potential role of AI to mitigate these risk issues?

Adolfo Castillo Bolaños

Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE)
Coordinator, Geothermal Sources, Generation Division

Advanced registration required

11:00-5:30

Site Visit to the Ahuachapán Geothermal Plant

Additional Registration Required

11:45-12:30

Harnessing Thermal Energy from Retired O&G Wells: What is the Real Potential of Repurposing?

Assessing the technical, operational and contractual dynamics of re-purposing O&G wells for direct uses of electricity, we focus on the solutions underway to meet current challenges. Drawing from pilot experiences, we look for lessons relevant to the Latam context and discuss how to achieve the real potential of this approach.

Ivan Terez

Renascent Energy
CEO

12:30-1:15

Integrated Geothermal Projects: The Value Add of Direct Use

Direct use geothermal offers tangible economic impact to power production projects, and makes most sense when baked in from the outset. We look at how various stakeholders can, and should, incorporate direct use applications into early-phase project design for power projects. What success stories can we point to? Plus: how to navigate regulatory process and approval, and secure financing.

Dr. Héctor Miguel Aviña Jiménez

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM)
Researcher

1:15-2:15

Agenda

Registration & Exhibition

Welcome Remarks

Host Country Inauguration and Keynote

International Perspective: Geothermal as a Key Component of the Global Pledge to Triple Renewables – How To Further International Cooperation

Networking Break and Photos

Financing Dynamics & the Bankability of Geothermal In the Region

More than Just Power, Why Geothermal is at the Nexus of Industrial Growth, and Food & Economic Security

Technologies and Innovative Approaches: Driving Down Costs and Driving Up Feasibility

Networking Luncheon

GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates

Where is Geothermal Gaining Ground? A ‘Tour’ of LAC Geothermal Development

El Salvador’s Geothermal Landscape: How Are Projects Advancing and What Is On The Horizon?

GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates

Caribbean: The Emerging Geothermal Success Story

GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates

Central America: Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras

GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates

Refreshments and Networking

The Andean Region

GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates

Taking Geothermal Further in Colombia

GEOLAC 2024 COUNTRY UPDATES

GEOLAC 2024 Cocktail Reception

Invitation Only

Ministerial Dinner

Rise and Shine Roundtables

Table I: Capacity Building and Workforce Development

Rise and Shine Roundtable

Table II: Food Security and the Geothermal Nexus

Rise and Shine Roundtable

Table III: Advancing Frontier Projects and Regional Cooperation for Energy Security and Social Benefit

Rise and Shine Roundtable

Day Two Welcome Remarks

Session led by GIZ

GDF/TAF Forum: Technical Assistance and Finance for Geothermal

Refreshments and Networking

Best Practice for Field and Plant Optimization, Operational Safety and Security and Planning for Vulnerabilities

Advanced registration required

Site Visit to the Ahuachapán Geothermal Plant

Additional Registration Required

Harnessing Thermal Energy from Retired O&G Wells: What is the Real Potential of Repurposing?

Integrated Geothermal Projects: The Value Add of Direct Use

GEOLAC Closing Lunch